Title: Sleepless
Author: Charlie Huston
First published January 1, 2010
368 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780345501134 (ISBN10: 0345501136)
Rating: 3.66
Overview
Charlie Huston’s Sleepless is a gripping and haunting novel that delves into the fears that we all face during dark times. Parker Hass, a former philosophy student turned LAPD officer, wanted a better world for his family.
However, a plague of insomnia has struck the world, leaving Parker wide awake and tasked with cutting off illegal trade in Dreamer, a drug that promises sleep to the infected. After a year of lost leads, Parker stumbles upon a dangerous secret hidden in the shadows of a pharmaceutical giant.
With his wife and daughter now sleepless, Parker risks everything to uncover the truth and bring justice to those in need. But at what cost?
As he delves deeper into the restless world, he realizes that the real world is obscured by darkness. To find the safe corner and harbor he’s promised his family, he must bring enough light to illuminate the truth, no matter the price.
Are you ready to open your eyes?
About the Author
Meet Charlie Huston, an American author who specializes in Noircrime fiction. In a recent interview with Paradigm, he revealed that he identifies more as a Pulp writer because of his unique writing style.
Editoral Review
Sleepless, a novel by Charlie Huston, is a thrilling and thought-provoking piece of contemporary fiction. Published on January 1, 2010, the book explores themes of loss, love, and the nature of identity, all set against the backdrop of a post-9/11 New York City.
Huston, a seasoned author with several critically acclaimed novels under his belt, has crafted a piece of literature that is both captivating and introspective. The story follows two main characters, Parker and Jasper, who have both suffered from a mysterious condition that has kept them awake for weeks on end.
As they struggle to survive in a world that is slowly going insane around them, they must also confront their own inner demons and figure out who they really are. The setting of the book, which is a dystopian version of New York City, adds an additional layer of hopelessness and despair to their already difficult journey.
Huston’s writing is crisp and powerful, driving the narrative forward with an almost brutal force. He has a gift for language that allows him to imbue even the most mundane details with weight and significance.
The character development is also noteworthy, as Parker and Jasper are both fully realized and complex individuals who evolve throughout the course of the story. The pacing of the book is excellent, moving swiftly from one scene to the next without ever losing sight of the overarching narrative.
One of the book’s strengths is its ability to draw parallels between the society of Sleepless and our own world. As the characters grapple with issues such as government surveillance, the erosion of civil liberties, and the ever-present threat of terrorism, readers can’t help but see echoes of our own political reality.
The book also raises important questions about the nature of identity and the role that genetics and environment play in shaping who we are as individuals. While Sleepless is by no means flawless, its shortcomings are minor and do not detract from the overall quality of the work.
Some readers may find the ending slightly anticlimactic, and the post-apocalyptic setting may not be to everyone’s taste. However, these minor criticisms are vastly outweighed by the book’s many strengths.
In conclusion, Sleepless is a must-read for anyone who enjoys dystopian fiction, gripping storytelling, and thought-provoking themes. It is a novel that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page, challenging them to reflect on the complex issues it raises.
On a scale of one to ten, it would receive a score of 9. Highly recommended.
